Cultural experiences

South African art galleries: Gauteng

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ART GALLERIES IN JOHANNESBURG

ABSA GALLERY
Absa Towers North, 161 Main Street, Johannesburg
This corporate gallery hosts monthly contemporary art exhibitions and the prominent annual L'Atelier Award. Its impressive collection includes large-scale specially commissioned pieces, works by young contemporary artists and historical South African pieces dating back to the 1900s.
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AFRICAN FEELINGS GALLERY
154 Linden Street, Sandown, Sandton
(011) 884 1148
This commercial space specialises in Southern African and African art with occasional curated exhibitions.

ALICE ART GALLERY
217 Drive Street, Ruimsig, Roodepoort
Owned by Alice Pitzer, Alice Art Galleries have two major galleries, in Ruimsig on the West Rand and Tshwane. They stock works that ranges from the inexpensive to investment status - R500 000 and more.
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ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE
17 Lower Park Drive, Parkview, Johannesburg
The Alliance hosts contemporary South African and international art exhibitions, usually by solo artists, with recent shows by Wayne Barker, Trevor Coleman, Rene Paul, Clifford Charles, Pauline Mazibuku and others. Exhibitions are solicited through proposals.
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ART AFRICA
62 Tyrone Ave, Parkview, Johannesburg
Art Africa will dazzle you with its collection of ethnic arts, crafts and artefacts from around Africa. The shop is split into a front section that carries funky, contemporary and often recycled items from self-help groups in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo. The back section has an amazing selection of wooden games, head rests, wooden statues and sculptures, wooden and grass bowls and bright African fabrics.

ART ON PAPER
8 Main Road, Melville, Johannesburg
This small and reasonably priced suburban gallery exhibits art from southern Africa with a special focus on works on paper, including all graphic and printmaking techniques as well as drawing. The print cabinets house an impressive collection of contemporary prints, and curator and owner Alet Vorster is welcoming and knowledgeable. Catalogues and books on local art are sold through the gallery.
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ARTIST PROOF STUDIO
The Bus Factory, 1 President Street, Newtown, Johannesburg
This innovative, community-based printmaking studio is situated in the hub of the Newtown Cultural Precinct. It is a training, production and selling facility concentrating on skills transfer and exchange programmes in Southern Africa and abroad.
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ARTISTS UNDER THE SUN
Zoo Lake, cnr Westwold Way and Jan Smuts Ave, Parktown
Over 100 artists exhibit paintings, sculptures, ceramics and pottery at Zoo Lake on the first weekend of every month.

BAG FACTORY, AKA FORDSBURG ARTISTS' STUDIOS
10 Minnaar Street, Fordsburg
Johannesburg's longest-established communal artists' studio complex, the Bag Factory houses 15 local artists full time, including some of South Africa's most established names, as well as three studios for international artists-in-residence. Founded some 10 years ago to encourage dialogue between South African and visiting artists, it has major political and cultural importance. It houses the Artists Press and a gallery, and is developing a multipurpose workshop space for educational purposes. It has excellent links with institutions and facilities in the area.
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BENSUSAN MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHY
121 Bree Street, Newtown Cultural Precinct, Newtown
Part of MuseumAfrica, this space focuses on the history of photography and exhibits a permanent collection of optical toys, mirrors and lenses, exposing the public to the principles of photography and cinematography. It has a temporary exhibition space showing historical and contemporary work by local and international artists.
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CHAPANGU GARDEN GALLERY
304 Adolf Street, Strathavon, Sandton
(011) 447 2476 or 447 7353
This 1.5-acre commercial garden gallery in Sandton is home to select pieces by Zimbabwean stone sculpture masters. Artists include Agnes Nyanhongo, Colleen Madamombe, Dominic Benhura, Joe Mutasa and the late Bernard Matemera and many others.

CHERIE DE VILLIERS FINE ART GALLERY
The Mall (lower level), Rosebank, Johannesburg
Established in Johannesburg in 1993, the Cherie de Villiers Fine Art Gallery offers an extensive range of paintings and bronze sculpture by leading South African artists.
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EVERARD READ GALLERY
6 Jellicoe Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg
This commercial art gallery showcases quality work by local and international artists, holding monthly exhibitions of contemporary South African artists including Dylan Lewis, John Meyer, Helen Sebidi, Vusi Khumalo, Henk Serfontein and others. It also deals extensively in investment-focused wildlife and traditional painting and sculpture.
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FIRENZE GALLERY
DF Malan Extension, Elandsdrift, Muldersdrift
Paintings by Maureen Rugani in all media, as well as ceramics, stained glass, decoupage, pottery and hand-crafted knives.

GALLERY ON THE SIDE
Pineslopes Shopping Centre, Witkoppen Road, Fourways, Sandton, Johannesburg
Boasting one of the largest collections of Fine Art in South Africa, this South African art gallery displays over 3,000 unique items in stock. Established in 1998, Gallery on the Side is right in the heart of the luxury office and residential belt of Gauteng, which services the Sandton CBD. It occupies 250m² and incorporates a true African Boma gallery on two levels – choice South African Art, African Artefacts and International Graphics are on offer together with a comprehensive framing service.
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GALLERY ON THE SQUARE
Nelson Mandela Square, corner Maude and Fifth streets, Sandton
A commercial gallery focusing on prints, painting, sculpture and ceramics. International names include Picasso, Joan Miro, David Hockney and Jim Dine, while local artists include Regi Bardavid, Colbert Mashile, the Ardmore Ceramic Studio and others.
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GERTRUDE POSEL GALLERY
Ground Floor, Senate House, University of the Witwatersrand, Jorissen Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
The University of the Witwatersrand's art gallery curates and hosts contemporary and academic exhibitions, and houses and manages the Standard Bank Collection of African Art, including sculpture, beadwork and ethnographic objects from Southern, Central and West Africa. It has an extensive permanent collection of South African art including important political and controversial art works, and hosts the annual Wits Fine Art student exhibition and the Martienssen Art Prize.
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GOODMAN GALLERY
163 Jan Smuts Avenue, Parkwood, Johannesburg
South Africa's most established commercial space, this gallery was founded in 1966 and remains at the forefront of the local contemporary art scene. It represents a variety of artists, both local and international, and has a regular exhibition programme of primarily solo and two-person shows. It is home to William Kentridge, Penny Siopis, Sam Nhlengethwa, Zwelethu Mthethwa, David Koloane and David Goldblatt, among other top names.
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GODART GALLERY
78, 3rd Avenue Melville, Johannesburg
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JOHANNESBURG ART GALLERY
Klein and King George Streets, Joubert Park, Johannesburg
This Edward Lutyens-designed building houses impressive collections of 17th century Dutch paintings, 18th and 19th century British and European art, 19th century South African works, a large contemporary collection of 20th century local and international art and a print cabinet containing works from the 15th century to the present. As a major focus of urban regeneration programmes, it provides the base for the Joubert Park Public Art Project and is developing links with awareness groups and community centres based in the surrounding urban area.
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THE HYDE PARK GALLERY
Shop 2, Middle Mall, Hyde Park Shopping Centre Hyde Park, Sandton, Johannesburg
This newly refurbished gallery has been custom designed to offer a contemporary and modern environment, enabling visitors to view a select range of artworks from South Africa and abroad. The gallery regularly hosts exhibitions and has a permanent collection of some of South Africa's finest contemporary artists and artworks. From original South African paintings to hand-coloured international engravings, bronze sculpture to African antique artefacts, the Hyde Park Gallery showcases many genres of art in an upmarket setting.
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KIM SACKS GALLERY
153 Jan Smuts Avenue, Parkwood
(011) 447 5804
This commercial gallery specialises in contemporary South African design, fine craft objects and folk and tribal art from the continent, including jewellery, wood carvings, furniture, ceramics, and basketwork.
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MARKET PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
Market Cultural Precinct, 139 Bree Street, Newtown
A community-based photographic training centre with studios and darkroom facilities, the Photo Workshop's gallery shows work by current and former students.
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MERELY MORTAL
356 Jan Smuts Avenue, Craighall, Johannesburg
This funky space shows work by local designers and contemporary artists. It has a design studio attached to the premises and an open kitchen and cocktail bar which hosts wine evenings, tasting sessions, dinners and private functions.

MTN ART INSTITUTE
The MTN Art Institute has a comprehensive collection of about 1 000 works from South Africa and the continent, dating from the late 1800s till today, including works by Timsson I'Oto, traditional artefacts and contemporary works by William Kentridge, Karel Nel, Sue Williamson, Penny Siopis and many more. Specially commissioned artworks are featured in corporate headquarters, including the largest collection of South African printmaking on the continent. Educational programmes are aimed at MTN staff, visiting groups and schools in outlying areas. The Institute publishes a range of resource books for art educators, hosts a series of scholar-based art awards, runs a young curators' programme and an artist-in-residence programme.

MUSEUMAFRICA
Mary Fitzgerald Square, 121 Bree Street, Newtown 2113
This museum exhibits objects related to Johannesburg's labour history, culture, art, music and politics. It houses the Bensusan Museum of Photography and the Museum of South African Rock Art, as well as a geological collection. Temporary exhibition spaces host multidisciplinary festivals, contemporary art and student shows.
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NGWENYA GALLERY
Sunridge Farm, Corner Beyers Naude & Diepsloot R114, Mulderdrift
Glassware, vases, bowls, candle holders, glasses, animal figurines, ornaments and corporate gifts crafted from recycled glass. Talented glassblowers demonstrate their skills every weekday and last weekend of the month.
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OBJEKT
32 7th Avenue, Parktown North, Johannesburg
Objekt is located at Parktown Quarters and is committed to South African craft. It features artwork, ceramics, furniture, interior goods, and jewellery. Exhibitions, featuring a wide variety of artists, are also hosted at Objekt.
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PHOTOZA GALLERY
The Mews, Lower Level, 153 Oxford Road, Rosebank
This gallery specialises in fine South African documentary, commercial and art photography. Featured photographers include Michael Meyersfeld, Sally Gaule, Steve Hilton-Barber and Jurgen Schadeberg.
The Mews, Lower Level, 153 Oxford Road, Rosebank

THE PREMISES
Parking Level 1, Johannesburg Civic Theatre, Braamfontein
A commercially run contemporary space managed by independent art initiative The Trinity Session, with a diverse programme incorporating local and international cutting-edge installation work, new media and experimental project-based exhibitions.
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RAND MERCHANT BANK CORPORATE COLLECTION
1 Merchant Place, corner Rivonia Road and Fredman Drive, Sandton
(011) 282 8000

ROODEPOORT MUSEUM GALLERY
Civic Centre, Christiaan de wet Ave, Florida Park, Roodepoort
The Roodepoort Museum Gallery houses a collection of decorative art, glass and porcelain, representing such famous names as Royal Doulton, Meissen, Rosenthal, Daum, Royal Worchester, Lalique, Wedgewood, Etling and Clarisse Cliff.
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SABC CORPORATE ART COLLECTION
Henley Road, Auckland Park, Johannesburg
The collection holds 700 historical and contemporary works by various South African artists, including Kay Hassan, David Koloane, William Kentridge, Christine Dixie, Wayne Barker and Robert Hodgins. Some excellent contemporary works are displayed to the public in the foyer of Radio Park, and ways of exposing the collection to a wider audience are being worked on.

SANDTON CIVIC ART GALLERY
Nelson Mandela Square, corner Maude and Fifth Streets, Sandton
(011) 881 6430/32

SASOL CORPORATE ART COLLECTION
Sturdee Avenue, Rosebank
(011) 441 3111
Although it has a number of historical South African pieces, the collection's main focus is on contemporary art by established and emerging artists including Luan Nel, Clive van den Berg, Kevin Brand, Peter Schütz, Stephanus Rademeyer and Marco Cianfanelli.

SPARK! GALLERY
10 Louis Road, Orchards
(011) 485 4602
Housed in an old 1930s electric power station, Spark! is also the home base of the Orchards Project, a craft and job creation focused NGO. The craft shop sells art, craft, funky furniture, fashion and household accessories. Artists working in a range of media operate from studios on site. The triple-volume exhibition space hosts regular shows by emerging contemporary artists and is a favourite venue for unusual events and parties.

STANDARD BANK GALLERY
Corner Simmonds and Fredericks streets, Johannesburg
A corporate, non-commercial space situated in Johannesburg's downtown CBD, the gallery hosts high-profile exhibitions by local and international artists and major travelling exhibitions. Temporary theme-based exhibitions are curated from the Collection of African Art (held at the Gertrude Posel Gallery, Wits) with a strong educational focus aimed at scholars, students, academics and the general public. Annual attractions include the World Press Photo Award and the Standard Bank Young Artist exhibitions.
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TOTEM GALLERY
Shop U 17a, Upper Level, Sandton City Shopping Centre, Sandton
Three galleries, in Sandton, Germiston and Rosebank, selling African art such as masks, figures, jewelry, textiles, and functional objects, all bought directly from the countries of origin.
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UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG ARTS CENTRE
B5 Building, University of Johannesburg, corner Kingsway and University Roads, Auckland Park, Johannesburg
The University of Johannesburg Art Gallery exhibits contemporary South African art and group exhibitions by younger generation artists. Through the gallery, the university has occasionally commissioned site-specific public works, installed on campus.
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WATERCOLOUR SOCIETY OF SOUTH AFRICA
Manor Gallery, Norscot Manor, Penguin Drive, Fourways, Johannesburg
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ART GALLERIES IN PRETORIA

ALAN AINSLIE WILDLIFE
100 Glen Eagles Drive, Silver Lakes, Tshwane
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ANTON VAN WOUW MUSEUM
299 Clark Street, Brooklyn
Now part of the University of Pretoria, this is the last home and studio of Dutch sculptor Anton van Wouw, best known for laying the foundations of traditional South African bronze sculpture. The museum houses 64 works by the late sculptor and is open to the public.
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ARTCASE INC
22 Chaumont, 174 Catherina Drive, La Montagne, Pretoria
In collaboration with the University of Pretoria, this commercial gallery exhibits work by contemporary South African artists including Pippa Skotnes and Tommy Motswai at affordable prices.
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ASSOCIATION OF ARTS PRETORIA
171 Mackie Street, Nieuw Muckleneuk
A non-profit organisation holding monthly exhibitions by contemporary South African artists. It manages the annual Sasol New Signatures art competition and PPC Young Sculptor Awards, as well as a regional exhibition for the Absa L'Atelier Award.
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CENTURION ART GALLERY
Corner Cantonments Rd and Unie Avenue, Lyttelton Manor, Centurion, Tshwane
Affiliated to the Pretoria Art Gallery, the Centurion Art Gallery specialises in South African art. It collects, documens and conserves outstanding examples of mainly South African art, researches and compiles exhibitions from the permanent collection, and hosts major national and international travelling exhibitions, supplemented by educational activities.
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CREATURE POTS
8 East Avenue, Irene
Creature pots are ceramic works by local artists, which "blend most beautifully in both garden and home environments". On display in Muldersdrift and part of the Crocodile Ramble, the pots formed part of South Africa's award-winning display at the Chelsea Flower Show.
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CSIR ART COLLECTION
Meiring Naude Road, Brumeria, Tshwane
(012) 841 2911

THE DESIGN SHOP
105 Club Avenue, Waterkloof Heights, Tshwane
The Design Shop promotes South African design, applied art and selected crafts. It provides a showcase for young talent as well as established designers and creates opportunities for skills development and wealth creation for all South Africans, including those who have been historically disadvantaged and have difficult access to the local and international markets.
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EDOARDO VILLA MUSEUM
Old Merensky Library, University of Pretoria, Tshwane
Permanent displays in the museums are 143 works which consist of heads, plaster of Paris reliefs, figures, tapestry, polystyrene sculptures in steel and charcoal studies. The exhibits are supported by documentary videos.
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ENGELENBURGHUIS ART COLLECTION
Ziervogel Street, Arcadia, Tshwane
(012) 328 5082
The collection houses bronzes, porcelain carpets, furniture and Dutch paintings.

FRAMING APPLES
801 Jacqueline Drive, Garsfontein, Pretoria
Framing Apples is an art studio and workshop in one. Works by top artists are exhibited and supplied, while framing of artwork and mirrors is also done.
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GLOBE GALLERY
Waterkloof Centre, 299 Waterkloof Road, Brooklyn, Tshwane
(012) 346-0406

MILLENNIUM GALLERY
75 George Storrar Drive, Groenkloof, Tshwane
Set up in 1995, this commercial contemporary art gallery hosts regular exhibitions by local and international artists.

MIND'S I ART SPACE
Brooklyn Square, Tshwane
A permanent outlet for four prominent Tshwane artists: Diek Grobler, Gustav Vermeulen, Retha Buitendach and Michèle Nigrini.
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OPEN WINDOW CONTEMPORARY ART GALLERY
426 King's Highway, Lynnwood
Attached to a tertiary visual communications school, the gallery shows two and three-dimensional work by established and emerging local artists. Regular exhibitors include Keith Dietrich, Diane Victor and Egon Tania.
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PRETORIA ART MUSEUM
Corner Schoeman and Wessels streets, Arcadia Park, Arcadia
The museum's permanent collections include South African old masters, works from the Lady Michaelis Collection, international graphic art and 17th century Dutch paintings. The 20th century collection includes works by Irma Stern, Gerard Sekota and Judith Mason, among others. The various exhibitions halls host a number of concurrent exhibitions, some of which are aimed at school art syllabuses. A major new show opens every three months. An annual attraction is the Sasol New Signatures art prize, awarded to a young artist who has not yet held a solo exhibition.
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THE SKUKAN ART GALLERY AND COFFEE SHOP
6 Koedoeberg Road, Faerie Glen, Tshwane
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UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA ART COLLECTION
Corner Lynnwood and University roads, Brooklyn
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UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA ART GALLERY
5th floor, Theo Van Wyk Building, B-Block, University of South Africa Main Campus, Tshwane
A regular exhibition programme focuses mainly on core issues in the Unisa Fine Arts and Art History degrees through curated group exhibitions. The permanent collection is a good representation of historical and contemporary South African art.
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